Abstract
Purpose :
Ophthalmologists have been using topical antibiotic ointment postoperatively following oculoplastic surgical procedures for years. This study examines the efficacy of over-the-counter topical Neosporin versus prescription Gentamicin in the prevention of wound infection. The costs of the medications are compared as well.
Methods :
A review of 310 patients undergoing a procedure by a single surgeon in the same office based outpatient surgical suite using either topical over the counter Neosporin ointment or prescription Gentamicin ointment were compared. The rate of infections at postop day 1,7,14 were evaluated, as well as a comparative cost analysis was performed.
Results :
310 cases were performed in the same office based outpatient surgical suite. Case breakdown as follows: Entropion 24, Ectropion 64, Blepharoplasty 127, Ptosis repair 40, Lesion excision 55. There was no wound infection noted at days 1, 7, or 14 in either the Neosporin or Gentamicin cohort. The cost of topical ointment per procedure was approximately $3.99 for the Neosporin group and $43.07 for the Gentamicin group.
Conclusions :
Topical over-the-counter Neosporin appears to be as effective as prescription Gentamicin in the prevention of postoperative wound infection following outpatient oculoplastic surgical procedures in an office based surgical suite. The cost per procedure using Neosporin is significantly less than Gentamicin.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.